Our industry faces a pivotal moment as we approach the 2024 National Tourism Senior Certificate Examination on Thursday, 14 November. With 22,000 Grade 12 learners in the Western Cape preparing to write their final tourism examinations, we must address a crucial question: How will we integrate these young minds into our growing tourism sector?
Understanding the challenge
These 22,000 candidates represent diverse communities across the Western Cape. While their passion for tourism is evident in their subject choice, we face two immediate challenges: creating opportunities for those who can pursue further studies and developing alternative pathways for those who need to enter the workforce directly after matriculation.
Current industry landscape
The Western Cape’s tourism sector continues to expand, offering numerous opportunities across hospitality, tour operations, attractions, and support services. However, we need a structured approach to absorb emerging talent effectively.
Creating sustainable solutions and education pathways
We need to make information about further education opportunities more accessible, including regarding:
- Bursary programmes
- Available learnerships
- Training programmes
- Skills development initiatives
Direct industry entry
For those entering the workforce immediately, we must focus on providing access to:
- Entry-level positions with training
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Mentorship programmes
- Skills development pathways
Industry call to action
Overcoming these challenges demands a collaborative approach. Here’s how various key players with the industry can take action:
Tourism businesses:
- Create learnership opportunities
- Develop entry-level positions
- Consider sponsoring promising learners
- Provide on-the-job training
Industry bodies:
- Establish mentorship programmes
- Create networking platforms
- Facilitate skills matching
- Build opportunity databases
Educational partners:
- Strengthen industry partnerships
- Provide career guidance
- Connect learners with opportunities
- Support transition planning
Bursary providers:
- Share programme details
- Streamline application processes
- Consider programme expansion
- Partner with schools
These Grade 12 learners represent our industry’s future talent pool. Whether through further education or direct industry entry, we must work together to create clear pathways for their integration.
We urge you to:
1. Share available opportunities: rema@fedhasacape.co.za
2. Commit to youth development
3. Join our industry task force
4. Submit your bursary information
Organisations offering educational support, please submit:
- Programme details
- Application requirements
- Contact information
- Available positions
- Funding details
Email information to rema@fedhasacape.co.za for our database.
The future of Western Cape tourism depends on how we nurture emerging talent today. Let’s create meaningful pathways that benefit both our industry and our youth.
Special thanks to Phelokazi Mbebe and Nosipho Dinwa for their contributions.
